CHURCHES MAY FACE PARKING GUIDELINES

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Aldermen took a first step Monday night toward requiring new churches and other religious buildings in the city to apply for special-use permits when they are being constructed or enlarged on lots smaller than 40,000 square feet in residential neighborhoods.

Churches, synagogues, mosques or other religious buildings also would be required under the law to provide one parking space for every three seats, instead of the current one space for each 10 seats.

Resident Mike Grady and others told the aldermen that a new church at Potter Road and Church Street is causing traffic congestion.

The council's committee of the whole passed the proposal and sent it to the Zoning Board of Appeals, which will consider it Feb. 14.